Medications Flashcards
Adrenergics (vasoconstrictors)
Stimulate the sympathetic nervous system causing bronchodilation, vasoconstriction and cardiac stimulation.
Analgesics/ Anesthetics
Relieve pain, promote loss of feeling or sensation.
Antianxiety
Act by blocking stimulation in the limbic and cortical systems of the brain.
Anticoagulants
Inhibit the clotting mechanism of blood; used to keep IV lines and arterial catheters open during diagnostic procedures and to prevent blood clots following heart attack or stroke.
Antidepressants
Used to relieve or prevent depression
Antidiabetics
Required for patients who have difficulty maintaining proper blood sugar balance.
Antihistamine
Relieves the symptoms of allergic reactions
Anticholinergics (antispasmodic)
Depress the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce spasms of smooth muscle tissue and decrease contractions, saliva, bronchial mucus and digestive secretions. Used in preparation for surgery and endoscopy to suppress secretions.
Antiperistaltic
Slow peristalsis of the G.I. tract, reduce diarrhea
Bronchodialators
Dilate smooth muscle, used to treat asthma attacks and some allergic reactions.
Cathartics
Stimulate peristalsis, promote defecation.
Contrast Agents
Used to enhance the presentation of a structure, organ, etc. during diagnostic imaging.
Diuretics
Stimulate the flow of urine.
Fluids and Electrolytes
Provide balance of body fluids, electrolytes and nutrients; used to treat and prevent dehydration.
Glucocorticoids/NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Used to treat pain associated with inflammation such as arthritis, vasculitis, broken bones and surgical incisions.
Hypoglycemics
Used to control the level of glucose in the blood, primarily as a treatment for diabetes mellitus (type 2).
Narcotics/Opioids
Stimulate central nervous system receptors known as opioid receptors, causing a decrease in the perception of pain.
Sedatives
Depress and relax the CNS and reduce mental activity. There are multiple classes within the sedative category.
Tranquilizers
Reduce anxiety. (Same as antianxiety)
Vasodilators
Relax the walls of blood vessels, permitting a greater flow of blood.
epinephrine (Adrenalin)
Adrenergics (vasoconstrictors)
acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Analgesics/Anesthetics
acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin)
Analgesics/Anesthetics
ibuprofen (Advil)
Analgesics/Anesthetics
